WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Practice Areas
- Criminal FAQ
- Criminal Misdemeanor
- Decatur Alabama Municipal Court Attorney
- Decatur Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Offenses
- DUI
- Expungement Faqs
- Expungements
- Felonies
- Huntsville Alabama Municipal Court Attorney
- Illegal Possession of Prescription Drugs
- Obstructing Justice
- Possession of Marijuana
- Probation Parole Violations
- Protection From Abuse
- Robbery
- Theft Offenses
DECATUR, AL CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS
Best Criminal Defense Attorney Near Me
If you believe you are being investigated for a crime, were recently arrested, or have been contacted by police, you need to contact the best criminal defense lawyer in Decatur, Alabama. Do not speak to anyone about your criminal case until you speak to a Decatur criminal defense attorney (abogado). Our Morgan County criminal defense lawyers are aware that your words could potentially turn against you. The most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to contact an experienced and aggressive Decatur, Alabama, criminal defense lawyer. The best choice you can make to protect yourself is to get a top criminal lawyer on your side right away. Call 256-350-7200 now. Our Decatur criminal defense lawyers handle misdemeanors, felonies, DUI, and other serious crimes. Our number one priority is to protect you, keep you out of jail, and keep your criminal record clean. We know firsthand how cops and district attorneys put together cases. Our Decatur, Alabama, criminal defense lawyers do not take a wait-and-see approach. On your first court date, we will investigate your case, review police reports, and start working on it. If you need help with any of the following charges, call us now. We can handle the following:- Assault
- Child Pornography
- City and State Appeals
- Domestic Violence Misdemeanors and Felonies
- Drug Charges: Marijuana, Controlled Substances, Drug Trafficking and Prescriptions
- Drunk Driving/DUI
- Possession of Forged Instruments
- Embezzlement
- Felonies
- Forgery
- Fraud
- Identity Theft
- Immigration Charges
- Internet Crimes
- Juvenile Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Money Laundering
- Murder & Homicide
- Probation Bonds
- Probation and Parole Violations
- Robbery
- Expungements
- Securities Fraud
- Sex Crimes
- Carrying Concealed Weapons
- Certain Persons Forbidden to Carry Firearms
- Theft and/or Shoplifting
- Obstructing Justice
- Traffic Offenses
- Protection from Abuse
Knowing the Morgan County and Decatur Courts
The City of Decatur prosecutor and the Morgan County District Attorney’s Office have different ways of doing things. You need an attorney who understands how each court works and how each prosecutor handles their cases. Every city and every county courthouse has its own way of doing things. Our Decatur criminal defense attorneys understand the difference between the prosecutors, judges, and court procedures. By working day in and day out in the same courts, we develop trusting relationships with judges, prosecutors, probation officers, and court staff. We know the proper procedures in each court, the programs available, and what to expect on that court date. You learn the best ways to do your job when you work in the same courts every day.Personal Contact with Your Decatur Attorney
Nothing is more frustrating than hiring an attorney who you can never get in touch with. When you hire a criminal defense attorney at Ferguson & Ferguson, every client phone call, email, or text is returned the same day. You get the personal cell phone number of your attorney. Things happen, and you need to be able to get in touch with your attorney. We never use inexperienced associates who are just learning criminal law. Unlike other firms, you will not get to court and find out that some other attorney is handling your case. When you hire Randy Ferguson, Randy will handle your case completely. Attorney Randy Ferguson will personally handle all significant aspects of your case from start to finish, including all settlement discussions, negotiations, and the trial.Decatur Criminal Defense Lawyer Frequently Asked Questions
The following frequently asked questions provide general information for people who have been arrested, charged, or placed under investigation in Decatur or Morgan County, Alabama. Every criminal case is different, so speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney about your specific circumstances.
What should I do after being arrested in Decatur, Alabama?
Remain calm, do not resist, avoid discussing the facts of your case, ask for an attorney, and contact an experienced Decatur criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Should I speak to Decatur police without a lawyer?
You generally have the right to remain silent and request an attorney before answering questions that could be used against you.
When should I hire a Decatur criminal defense lawyer?
You should contact a lawyer as soon as you learn that you are under investigation, receive a citation or warrant, are arrested, or are charged with a crime.
Can a criminal lawyer help before charges are filed?
Yes. Early representation may help protect your rights, preserve evidence, communicate with investigators, and prepare for possible charges.
What types of criminal cases does Ferguson & Ferguson handle in Decatur?
The firm handles misdemeanors, felonies, DUI, drug offenses, domestic violence, assault, theft, robbery, burglary, fraud, probation violations, traffic offenses, expungements, and other criminal matters.
Does Ferguson & Ferguson handle Decatur DUI cases?
Yes. The firm represents clients accused of DUI and related traffic or driver-license matters in Decatur and throughout North Alabama.
Does the firm defend drug charges in Morgan County?
Yes. The firm handles cases involving marijuana, controlled substances, prescription drugs, possession, distribution, and trafficking allegations.
Does the firm handle domestic violence cases in Decatur?
Yes. Ferguson & Ferguson represents clients facing misdemeanor and felony domestic violence allegations and related protective-order matters.
Does the firm defend theft and shoplifting charges?
Yes. The firm handles theft, shoplifting, burglary, robbery, fraud, forgery, identity theft, and related property-crime allegations.
Does the firm represent clients charged with felonies?
Yes. Ferguson & Ferguson represents clients charged with serious felony offenses in Alabama courts.
Does the firm handle misdemeanor cases?
Yes. The firm represents clients in misdemeanor cases in municipal, district, and circuit courts.
Can the firm help with probation or parole violations?
Yes. The firm represents clients facing probation revocation, parole issues, warrants, and related hearings.
Does Ferguson & Ferguson handle Decatur Municipal Court cases?
Yes. The firm represents clients charged with municipal offenses in Decatur and other North Alabama communities.
Does the firm handle traffic offenses?
Yes. The firm handles DUI, reckless driving, driving while suspended, and other serious traffic-related matters.
Can the firm help with criminal appeals?
Depending on the case, the firm may assist with city or state appeals and other post-judgment criminal matters.
What happens after an arrest in Morgan County?
Depending on the charge, the accused may be booked, bond may be set, and court proceedings may include an initial appearance, arraignment, preliminary hearing, or trial setting.
What is an arraignment?
An arraignment is a court hearing where the charge is formally presented and the accused enters a plea.
What is a preliminary hearing?
A preliminary hearing is a proceeding in certain felony cases where a judge considers whether probable cause exists to continue the prosecution.
Should I plead guilty without talking to a lawyer?
A guilty plea may create lasting criminal, employment, licensing, and personal consequences. You should understand the evidence, defenses, plea terms, and alternatives first.
Can criminal charges be dismissed or reduced?
Charges may sometimes be dismissed, reduced, diverted, or resolved through negotiation, depending on the evidence, law, prosecutor, court, and individual circumstances.
What is a diversion program?
A diversion program may allow an eligible defendant to complete specified requirements in exchange for a favorable resolution, potentially including dismissal.
Can a criminal defense lawyer guarantee the outcome?
No ethical lawyer can guarantee a particular result. A lawyer can evaluate the evidence and pursue the strongest lawful defense available.
What are my rights during a Decatur traffic stop?
Provide legally required identification and insurance information, remain respectful, avoid consenting to unnecessary searches, and avoid making statements that may incriminate you.
Do police need a reason to stop my vehicle?
Police generally need reasonable suspicion or another lawful basis for a traffic stop, although properly conducted checkpoints may be treated differently.
Do I have to answer police questions during a traffic stop?
You generally must provide required identifying information, but you may decline to answer questions that could incriminate you.
Can I ask whether I am free to leave?
Yes. If you are unsure whether you are being detained, you may calmly ask whether you are under arrest or free to leave.
Can illegally obtained evidence be suppressed?
Evidence obtained in violation of constitutional protections may be challenged through a motion to suppress, depending on the facts and applicable law.
What is an expungement in Alabama?
An expungement is a legal process that may remove eligible criminal records from public access when Alabama's requirements are satisfied.
Can every Decatur criminal record be expunged?
No. Eligibility depends on the charge, disposition, waiting period, criminal history, and current Alabama law.
Will a criminal conviction affect my job?
A conviction may affect employment, professional licensing, housing, education, immigration status, firearm rights, and other opportunities.
What should I bring to a criminal defense consultation?
Bring citations, warrants, bond papers, charging documents, court notices, photographs, messages, videos, witness information, and any conditions of release.
Are consultations confidential?
Communications made for the purpose of obtaining legal advice are generally confidential, subject to applicable law and ethical rules.
Does Ferguson & Ferguson offer free Decatur criminal defense consultations?
Yes. Ferguson & Ferguson offers free consultations for criminal cases.
Are Decatur criminal defense attorneys available 24 hours a day?
The firm states that it can be contacted 24/7 to schedule a free criminal defense consultation.
Where is the Ferguson & Ferguson Decatur office?
The Decatur office is located at 211 Oak Street NE, Decatur, Alabama 35601.
What is the Decatur criminal defense phone number?
Call Ferguson & Ferguson's Decatur office at 256-350-7200.